Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 496

The room erupted with a scream, and doctors rushed in to check what was happening. They all said the same thing: "There's nothing more we can do." Ryan felt numb, like ice had seeped into his bones. It wasn't until they wheeled Sarah's body away to the morgue that reality hit him.

His phone buzzed-it was the housekeeper asking when he'd be back. He tried to answer, but it felt like his throat was in a vice, choking his words before they could come out. Somehow, he made it home, though he couldn't remember the drive. The cold and exhaustion clung to him as he stepped inside.

He slipped off his shoes quietly in the foyer, trying to gather himself, when Clara's voice cut through the silence. "Why are you so late?"

Clara was in the living room, sitting next to a gift box on the coffee table-a birthday present for him. She had left earlier but came back, deciding it would be nicer to give him his birthday gift in person. She didn't expect him to be this late; in just an hour, his birthday would be over.

Assuming he was off with Sarah, she didn't prod, just nudged the gift box his way. "This is for you. There's cake in the fridge. Did you eat out?"

Before he could reply, she went to the fridge, taking out the cake and unwrapping it, sticking in candles shaped like a '20'. Ryan just stood there, staring at the flickering candles, not even thinking about blowing them out.

lights, giving him a gentle smile. "What's

rings, the gems sparkling in the candlelight. She set them beside the cake, creating a picture-perfect scene. "Ryan, I know Sarah wasn't my biggest fan, but she cared about

for her brother. But Ryan just stood there, silent. He could see Clara talking, but her words didn't

herself, concerned. "What's wrong

those words, but

head. He rubbed his temples, his voice cracking. "Clara, for my birthday, will

jumping

wasn't Sarah coming

like they mocked him. In the car, he gripped the steering wheel hard.

word. Clara could feel the dark, restless energy radiating from him, almost suffocating. She stayed

the scenery

until